Kids clean up illegal dump

Photo: Contributed

Students at Okanagan Adventist Academy ended their first week of school by cleaning up an illegal dump off Postill Lake Road.

Thirty Grade 8-12 students and their teachers hauled furniture, pallets, construction waste and bags of litter out of the bush and loaded it into a dumpster donated by 4 Less Disposal. 

“A big part of the teaching of our school is to help students find their purpose," said teacher Cherri Gerber. "Taking part in an activity like this helps the students realize that they can make a difference in their own community.”

A total of 1.2 tonnes of material was hauled out of the area, filling up the 30-yard dumpster, said regional waste reduction facilitator Cynthia Coates.

"Illegal dumping has been in the spotlight several times this year, and the Waste Reduction Office reminds everyone that the Glenmore landfill is open seven days a week to drop off material while the Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre is open every Friday through Monday," said Coates.

“There is no reason any of this material should be ending up in the bush. These students are cleaning up after adults, folks that are users of this area and should be stewards of the environment."

The Postill Lake area has already been cleaned up several times this year, including having an abandoned camper hauled out in the beginning of June. 

As well as cleanups by regional contractors, resident Garrett Strong joined the Adventist Academy students on Friday. He's also hauled numerous loads on his own to the landfill. 

“Garrett was an incredible help," said Coates. 

To report an illegal dumpsite, visit regionaldistrict.com/recycle or contact the Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250.